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"Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh" Awards

art that expands diversity consciousness and embraces and celebrates minoritized cultures and perspectives

Sponsored by: August Wilson African American Cultural Center • Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh • Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh • 1Hood Media • University of Pittsburgh

"Image of a woman with the caption, Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh - Call for Diverse Art"

Artwork: ‘Peace of Mind,’ Morgan Overton

Call for Diverse Art Now Open

See 2023’s winners

For the second year in a row, the University of Pittsburgh is excited to call all members of the Pittsburgh community at large to submit creative works of all kinds to help us envision a just Pittsburgh.

Theme

For over a century, institutions like the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pittsburgh have served as essential public resources, connecting Pittsburghers to each other and the world.

We recognize, however, that our endeavors to cultivate a just and equitable city must be more intentional, intersectional, and reflective of our evolving society.  We extend beyond the confines of our institutions and commit ourselves as responsive and collaborative partners for progress and transformation. At the heart of our efforts is ‘Envisioning A Just Pittsburgh’, an inclusive call to community members of Southwestern PA to share their visions for a just and equitable Pittsburgh.

We invite community members to submit creative works – be it visual art, writing, or performance – that inspire and expand our perspective of the future Pittsburgh communities in which we all thrive. We encourage folks to express themselves boldly and authentically and use their art to encourage, challenge, and educate others.

Submission Deadline: Oct. 20, 2024, 11:59 p.m. EST

Awards Categories
  • Writing for the Page: Short Story, Poetry, Personal Essay, Flash Fiction
  • Visual Art: 2D, 3D, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Fiber Art, Graphic Design
  • Performance: Music, Dance, Slam Poetry, Spoken Word
  • Video & Interdisciplinary: Works that cross categories, Mixed Media, Digital Art
  • Youth Arts (17 and younger, by October 20, 2024): All categories including:

-Writing for the Page
-Visual Art
-Performance
-Video & Interdisciplinary

Monetary Awards

Adult Awards

  • First Place: Four Awards, $2,000 each
  • Runners-Up: Four Awards, $750 each

Youth Awards

  • First Place: Four Awards, $750 each
  • Runners-Up: Four Awards, $250 each

Artists Who Display Work

  • Up to 40 awards, $50 each
Recognition

All works are eligible for award distinctions and awardees will be announced in December 2024. Their creative works may be displayed and performed in person at Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh (CMP), Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP), the University of Pittsburgh, 1Hood Media and the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC), additionally on web and social media channels. Winners and runner's up will receive their awards and participate in showcases that will take place throughout February 2025.

To view detailed information on:

  • Theme,
  • Submission criteria,
  • Acceptable formats,
  • Exhibition requirements, and more,

please click the Submit Your Work link below. Once you have reviewed these specifications, you will have the opportunity to complete the submission form.

Submit Your Work

Previous Winners

2023: 1st Annual "Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh"
Call for Art Winners by Category